Alevy joined the chamber in January 2011. He previously worked as a public-relations consultant and billed the Sweetwater Union High School District for meetings with people who later told U-T Watchdog the meetings never took place.

Alevy did not return calls seeking comment about the chamber.

The U.S. government permits groups with specific causes to organize as tax-exempt organizations. In exchange for that privilege, nonprofits are required to make their annual tax filings available for public inspection.

Board Chairwoman Becky Burgstiner, who is acting president and CEO of the chamber, said Friday she could not locate a copy of the Form 990 for 2011.

Previous tax filings shows that at the end of 2007, the East County business group held assets of almost $200,000. In 2008, the chamber spent $434,000 and took in $360,000.

By 2009, expenses outpaced revenue by $7,000 and in 2010 the chamber spent $30,000 more than it collected, the tax filings show. At the close of 2010, the chamber reported net assets of $79,885.

The nonprofit, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary last year, is designed to generate new business in La Mesa, El Cajon, Lemon Grove and elsewhere.

“The chamber conducts numerous activities to promote the general welfare and prosperity of the east County,” the 2010 Form 990 states.

It is unclear how much Alevy was paid because the chamber did not release its 2011 tax filing. Former chamber president Michael Cully was paid just under $60,000 in 2010, $75,000 in 2009 and $49,000 in 2008, tax records state.

Earlier this month, chamber vice president Jarryd Davis resigned. Burgstiner said she was not sure Davis would be replaced.